 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
|
| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
David S. Webb, MS, Steven R. Truax, PhD, and Loriena Yancura, MA. HIV Prevention Research and Evaluation Section, California Dept. of Health Services, Office of AIDS, 611 North 7th Street, Suite A, Sacramento, CA 95814-0208, (916) 327-6773, dwebb1@dhs.ca.gov
Objective: Investigate demographic and behavioral trends among gay and bisexual men receiving HIV counseling and testing services at California test sites from 1990 to 2001. This presentation will demonstrate how reported sexual behavioral risk indicators, drug use, and sexually transmitted disease (STD) history can assist local and state agencies in community planning and targeting HIV prevention programs.
Methods: Utilizing data from the California HIV Counseling Information System, trends in HIV infection and risk behaviors were calculated and compared among gay and bisexual men within three difference time frames 1990 to 2001 (n=142168), 1995 to 2001 (n=74107) and 1997 to 2001 (n=52259).
Results: HIV seroprevalence among gay and bisexual men decreased from 13.3% in 1990 to 4.8% in 1997 and has fluctuated from a range of 3.8% to 5.4% from 1998 to 2001. The proportion of White clients has decreased from 76% in 1990 to 51% in 2001 while the proportion of Latino clients has increased from 13% in 1990 to 29% in 2001. Self-reported recent STDs increased steadily from 10% in 1995 to 16% in 2001. Men who reported always using barrier protection for anal insertive and anal receptive sex with male partners decreased from 48% and 49% in 1997 to 41% and 43% in 2001, respectively.
Conclusion: Increases in reported sexual behavioral risk and STDs indicate that gay and bisexual men continue to be at elevated risk for HIV, suggesting that targeted interventions need to be developed to reach this population.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Risk Factors, Gay
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.